Bitcoin blackmail letters prompt police warning

RESIDENTS in High Wycombe have received blackmail letters threatening to spread paedophile rumours, police said.

Two people in High Wycombe and four in Maidenhead have received letters demanding them to purchase bitcoins – a type of cyber currency – from a specific account.

Police said the letters threaten if the recipient does not do so the blackmailer will spread rumours about them being a paedophile.

Officers believe the letters may be linked.

Det Sgt Peter Wall from Force CID Maidenhead said: “Do not be alarmed if you receive a letter like this. Our advice is to try not to touch the letter too much so that it can be preserved for forensic examination and then call 101. Do not respond to the letter or purchase any of the bitcoins.

“If anyone has any information about these letters or has received one, please contact me via the Thames Valley Police 24-hour enquiry line, 101.”

If you don’t want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org.